A "stubby-type'' screwdriver found in the wreckage of plane
which crashed in Feilding last month, killing two men, may
have caused the crash, investigators say.
Queensland chiropractor Brett Ireland, 50, and Palmerston
North doctor Ralph Saxe, 51, died when the small plane they
were in crashed in Timona Park, about 35 minutes after taking
off from the Taonui Aerodrome near Feilding on January 23.
Dr Saxe co-owned the Aerostar Yak 52TW; aircraft of its type
are commonly used for aerobatics.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is investigating the crash
and today said it was "following a line of inquiry that
points toward a mechanical issue''.
"Investigators found a stubby-type screwdriver amongst the
wreckage, which may have rendered the aircraft unflyable,''
the CAA said.
"While this cannot yet be concluded as the cause of the
accident, it is of grave concern.''
The crash mirrored one in Britain in 2003 which also claimed
two lives; a stubby-type screwdriver became lodged in the
tail of the Yak 52 aircraft in that crash, affecting its
controls.
The CAA had contacted all Yak 52 owners in New Zealand to
advise them of the finding and to recommend a thorough
inspection for foreign objects.
"Foreign object damage is a known risk to aerobatic aircraft.
Any loose material, even a paper clip, can shift during
aerobatics and affect the aircraft's controls,'' the CAA
said.
It hoped to publish a preliminary report into the crash
within three weeks.
Today's news came on the same day Dr Saxe was to farewelled
in Feilding.
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